Inclusion coach to boost sport participation ahead of Paralympics

The City of Moreton Bay now has its own Sport4All inclusion coach to help people with disability access sport ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

The city’s new advocate for accessible sport will focus on building a culture of inclusive sport by increasing opportunities for people with disability to play community and school sports.

Emily Finn-Brumm – a long-time coach of Moreton Bay’s Boccia program – started in the role last week as part of the Sport4All program.

The program is a collaboration funded through the Federal Government and Australian Sports Commission in partnership with former Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott’s consultancy, Get Skilled Access.

She will deliver the award-winning Sport4All program to sporting clubs and schools across the City of Moreton Bay, giving them the tools, skills and confidence they need to include people with a disability.

Mayor Peter Flannery says the role will help drive positive change in the community.

“Council is thrilled to partner with Sport4All and Mrs Finn-Brumm, who will work closely with our local sporting clubs, schools and First Nations communities to help them gain a better understanding of what diversity and inclusion looks like,” Mayor Flannery says.

“We know sport can be extremely beneficial to a person’s physical health, mental-wellbeing and social connections – so everyone should be given every chance to participate.

“We want our sporting clubs and local schools to be as inclusive as possible to attract more sporting participants, and for communities, people with a disability and their families to be aware of the opportunities that exist, whether that is playing a new sport or volunteering behind the scenes.

“Each and every one of our residents should be given the chance to fulfil their sporting dreams and have a shot at becoming a hometown hero as we prepare to be an event city for 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Mrs Finn-Brumm lives with Charot Marie Tooth Syndrome, an inherited neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system and muscle control.

She also cares for a family member who lives with a disability and for many years has promoted inclusion through her dedication to boccia and other sports for people with disability.

Mrs Finn-Brumm led the Australian team at the 2023 World Dwarf Games in Germany, helping the squad achieve medals and personal bests.

She has also acted as Head Coach for Queensland Boccia in 2022 and 2023, while organising national boccia titles, state competitions and five Tri Series events.

“Mrs Finn-Brumm has been giving back to our community for many years, and we look forward to her making a positive impact as the City’s new Sport4All inclusion coach,” Mayor Flannery says.

Sport4All State Manager Southern Queensland Kim Abbott says the organisation is excited to partner with City of Moreton Bay by placing an inclusion coach within Council’s sport and recreation team.

“Statistics show that one in five Australian’s identify as having a disability (22 per cent) and want to be involved in accessing sport and volunteer opportunities,” she explains.

“By engaging with the Sport4All Program’s education, training and resources and the opportunity to work closely with Sport4All Inclusion Coach Emily, sporting clubs, schools and the community will be able to build capability and sustainability for inclusion for people with disabilities.

“We are looking forward to seeing an important change in grass roots sports in City of Moreton Bay going forward.”

Sporting clubs, schools and First Nations communities interested in meeting with Moreton Bay’s new inclusion coach can email [email protected]